Off The Job Training

What does it mean?

You need to spend 20% of your time at work completing ‘off-the-job training’ which is relevant to your apprenticeship.

Off-the-job training is a learning activity that happens outside of your normal duties. For the activity to be classed as off the job training, you will need to develop your skills or learn something new that will help you achieve your apprenticeship.

The activity needs to be specifically linked to the knowledge, skills and behaviours outlined in the apprenticeship standard. 

How much time do I need to spend doing off-the-job training?

Off-the-job training accounts for at least 20% of your normal working hours over the period of your apprenticeship. By normal working hours we mean paid hours excluding overtime.

It can be delivered at your normal place of work or off-site.

How you structure the time is up to you and your manager.  You can allocate a certain day per week or spread over several days or set full days each month.

What counts?

  • The teaching of theory (e.g. workshops, lectures, role playing, simulation exercises, online learning or manufacturer training).
  •  Practical training: learning from colleagues, shadowing, mentoring, industry visits and participation in competitions.
  • Learning support and time spent writing assessments/assignments.

What doesn’t count?

  • Training that is not directly relevant to teaching new knowledge, skills and behaviours that will contribute to the successful achievement of an apprenticeship
  •  Apprenticeship progress reviews with your assessor
  • Training which takes place outside your normal working hours. Training outside of work hours can be used if this time is recognised in an appropriate way i.e. time off in lieu is awarded for the time spent studying outside of work hours.
  • English and Maths at level 2 or below

Is it off-the-job training? A quick guide:

  • Is the activity directly relevant to the knowledge, skills and behaviours of the apprenticeship?
  •  Is the activity teaching new knowledge, skills and behaviours? 
  •  Is the learning taking place in the apprentice’s normal working hours?

If the answer is YES to all the above questions then it counts as off-the-job training. You record this time as you go in your e-portfolio, which is easily stored and allows you to keep track of your progress.

Examples

  • Individual study or research time to complete course work or prepare for assessments
  • Group learning sessions; learning new skills and sharing ideas with colleagues
  • Face to face tutor led delivery
  • Internal professional development sessions that relate to your apprenticeship
  • Completing e-learning modules
  • Visits to other businesses or different departments to see how they work
  • Workplace one-one performance reviews e.g. reflective thinking
  • Completing project work
  • Being mentored by a colleague to learn new skills that contribute to the apprenticeship. Alternatively you can deliver a mentoring session to another colleague. To evidence mentoring you can write a reflection and lessons learned report. 
  • Research to gain new knowledge of the industry
  • Attending webinars on key industry topics
  • Attending industry shows (particularly where they might be able to watch presentations or seminars)

 Got a question about off-the-job training? Email us at apprenticeships@salfordcc.ac.uk